CLOQUET, Minn. — Eight Cloquet police officers were honored for their conduct during a Jan. 8 shooting at the Super 8 hotel that left three people dead, including the shooter.
“In January of this year, tragedy struck our community, which resulted in the loss of two innocent victims,” Police Chief Derek Randall said at the ceremony during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 16. “Our hearts are still with those families to this day.”
The sudden act of violence resulted in the deaths of Super 8 hotel clerk Shellby Marie Trettel, 22, of Cloquet, and Patrick Jeffrey Roers, 35, of Deer River. Police identified Nicholas Elliot Lenius, 32, of Ramsey, as the shooter in the homicides.
Officers were recognized for meritorious service and awarded with a small acrylic plaque with an engraving of their name that read: “In recognition of your exceptional bravery and selfless dedication during the active shooter incident, January 8, 2024.”
The criteria for the awards include superior handling of a difficult situation, conspicuous bravery, outstanding performance, and any action or performance that is above and beyond typical duties.
“They fearlessly and without hesitation or regard for their own safety responded to a hostile area unknowing of what or what was or had occurred,” Randall said.
The officers on duty perfectly exemplified the motto, mission, vision and core values of the department, he said.
“It’s extremely heartening to witness our officers’ acts of bravery and courage,” said Randall, visibly emotional during the ceremony. “While it would have been better to honor with lifesaving awards, their actions deserved recognition and gratitude nonetheless.
“We owe them a debt of gratitude for their selflessness and bravery,” he said.
The following officers were recognized for meritorious service:
Sgt. Nathan Cook
Sgt. Zack Sandstrom
Detective Kristina Sather
Officer Jacob Bubb
Officer Brodie Nordquist
Officer Trevor Kaldor
Officer Ben LaFave
Officer James Demko
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